Redirecting Your Focus to Be on Christ - The Crosswalk Devotional - March 27
Redirecting Your Focus to Be on Christ
By: Vivian Bricker
Bible Reading:
“So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” - Matthew 6:31-34
As someone who struggles with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), I get overwhelmed easily. Due to the constant fears and intrusive thoughts in my head, my compulsions quickly become a monster I cannot control. My OCD tends to become worse when I'm already under stress, which is why I have to be careful to practice stress management, take my medications, and lean on God for support.
Each time an intrusive thought comes into my mind, I have to challenge myself to give it to God. Sometimes this helps, and sometimes it does not. But I am actively choosing to challenge the intrusive thoughts and prevent myself from engaging in compulsions.
Perhaps you do not struggle with OCD, but you are carrying the heavy weight of worry, fear, and concerns in other ways. Carrying any of these things can leave you feeling weak and weary. Bring these worries to Jesus today and allow Him to grace your heart with peace (Matthew 11:28-30). Each time a worrisome thought creeps into your mind, challenge it with Scripture. Although the fear might say it is bigger than God, remind yourself that we serve an all-knowing, ever-present, mighty God, who loves us beyond measure (Romans 8:37-39)
Intersecting Faith & Life:
The Lord tells us, “So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:31-34).
There are many things that can distract us from Jesus. Worries about the future, our careers, our relationships, and our health can keep us up at night. Obsessively worrying about these things can make worry the idol of our lives. Although we often think of materialism, fame, or money being idols, anything that we place above God can become an idol in our lives.
Perhaps this is why we are so focused on our problems rather than Christ. To break free from this endless cycle of worry and fear, we must put Jesus’ words into practice in our lives. We must seek God’s Kingdom first, and everything else will be added to us. This means that we seek to follow God, obey Him, and love Him above everything else.
Even when worries, fears, and concerns creep into our minds, we must reset our focus to be on the Lord. When we become more focused on the Kingdom, we will be less likely to give in to our fears and concerns. Our trust in the Lord will grow, and we will be equipped to manage our fears. It is human to worry, but obsessive worries will only lead us away from God.
God will help us to be confident in Him and to face the days ahead. Bring your worries, fears, and concerns to God today. Cast them on Him and take solace in knowing that He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). Each time a worry comes to mind, pray to Jesus. Ask Him to remove these concerns from your heart and to redirect your focus on Him. God is faithful, and He will answer your prayers in their proper time.
What worries, fears, and concerns are on your mind today? What are some ways you can focus on God and His Kingdom rather than the worries of this life?
Further Reading:
Matthew 6:25-30
Philippians 4:6-7
Hebrews 12:1-3
Join the conversation! Share how today’s devotional encouraged or challenged you in your walk with Christ.
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/StevoWa
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Listen to the Jesus Calling Podcast!
Welcome to this special bonus episode of the Jesus Calling Podcast, inspired by the topical themes from Sarah Young’s seasonal prayer devotional Jesus Listens: Prayers for Every Season. Today, we are featuring guests who speak to themes that all of us might be experiencing in this season of winter. As the days grow shorter and the night longer, we are offered a rare gift: permission to stop. This season can be a challenging time for many, and if you are struggling with low spirits, please know you are not alone, and help is available. This episode is an opportunity to honor your weariness, to resist the urge to rush, and to discover the profound healing that happens when we simply let ourselves rest in the stillness. If you like what you hear, be sure to follow Jesus Calling on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
